Organiser: IASPEI
Co-Sponsors: IAPSO and IAVCEI
Lead Convenor: Kenji Satake (Japan)
Co-convenors: Vassily Titov (United States of America), Alexander Rabinovich (Russia)

Scope: During 5 years after the catastrophic 2004 Indian Ocean tragedy, the science of tsunami, tsunami warning and mitigation measures have been advancing in unprecedented scale. The Indian  Ocean tsunami demonstrated the catastrophic potential of tsunamis in the absence of hazard and vulnerability assessments, mitigation, and warning systems. In six years after the Indian Ocean tsunami, the tsunami science and many tsunami-related programs have seen dramatic improvements, including observing systems, education and outreach tools, community resilience assessment tools, hazard and vulnerability assessments, modeling, and warning operations. This session provides a forum to discuss successes that have been achieved in the last six years and to identify areas where more studies and improvements are of urgent need.

Organiser: IASPEI
Lead Convenors: Christoph Clauser (Germany), Mike Sandiford (Australia), Alexander Gliko (Russia)

Scope: This symposium addresses topics in both tectonic heat flow (continental and marine) and geothermal energy. While it provides an environment for the researchers of both communities for discussions of their specific topics, problems and approaches it may also serve specifically as a forum for potential exchange of concepts and data used in one of the two fields in the other one. We therefore call for submission of papers and posters dealing with (a) the measurement of thermal rock properties and borehole temperature, the determination of heat flow and its interpretation with respect to tectonic and various transport processes in the Earth’s crust; and (b) the prospection, development, and operation of installations for the production of geothermal energy for heating and cooling, or for generating electric energy. In view of recent developments in Australia and elsewhere we specifically welcome contributions on engineered geothermal systems in hot, low permeability rock.

Organiser: IASPEI
Co-Sponsors: IAPSO and IAGA; An ION Proposal
Lead Convenors:  R. Stephen (United States of America)
Co-convenors: M. Best (Canada), P. Favali (Italy), B. M. Howe (United States of America), Y. Kaneda (Japan), P. Grenard (Austria), P. Tarits (France)

Scope: Coastal, regional and global permanent cabled seafloor observatories are under development and installation in many countries.  These systems have the goal of providing continuous, real-time data from the seafloor and up through the water column for durations longer than five years.  At the same time, the duration of traditional temporary, autonomously recording, seafloor geophysical experiments is being extended to a year or more, resulting in quasi-permanent observational systems. This session will focus on the scientific results from permanent and quasi-permanent seafloor observatories

Please be advised JS04 session has merged with JV03. To view IAVCEI Symposia schedule, please click here.

Organiser: IASPEI
Co-Sponsors: IAGA, IAVCEI
Lead Convenors: Hugh O'Neill (Australia), Greg Yaxley (Australia), Ian Jackson (Australia), Tetsuo Irifune (Japan), Catherine McCammon (Germany), Takashi Yoshino (Japan)

Scope: This symposium is intended to provide a forum for presentation and discussion of research into the physico-chemical behaviour of geological materials with implications for the structure and evolution of the Earth's crust and upper mantle. Topics of current interest include elasticity and rheology; diffusion; electrical conductivity; oxidation state of the mantle; carbon in the mantle under varying P-T-redox conditions; partial melting in a heterogeneous mantle and melt extraction; metamorphic phase equilibria and dehydration of subducting slab; refertilization and melting of the mantle wedge; the distinctive properties of cratonic roots; water in nominally anhydrous minerals and its impact on elasticity and rheology. Contributions on these and other related topics are welcome.
This Symposium is also listed by IAVCEI as J-V03.

Keynote Speaker: Prof Tomoo Katsura (Bayreuth, Germany)

Invited Speakers: Dr Jörg Hermann (Australian National University), Cin-Ty Lee (Rice University), Shun-ichiro Karato (Yale University)

Please be advised JS05 session has merged with JV04. To view IAVCEI Symposia schedule, please click here.

Organiser: IASPEI
Co-Sponsors: IAVCEI-SEDI
Lead Convenors: Ian Jackson (Australia), Ian Campbell (Australia), Louis Moresi (Australia), Albrecht Hofmann (Germany), Hans-Peter Bunge (Germany)

Scope: This symposium, reflecting on the career-long contribution of Geoff Davies, is intended to provide an interdisciplinary forum for discussion of geophysical and geochemical constraints on mantle structure, chemical composition and dynamical processes. The separation of basaltic melt from refractory harzburgitic residue generates heterogeneity that is resistant to re-homogenization during subsequent mantle convection. Seismic tomography suggests that wavespeed heterogeneity is concentrated in the upper and lowermost parts of the mantle. Geochemical studies provide evidence of long-lived heterogeneity at various spatial scales. Numerical modelling of mantle convection favours at least episodic whole-mantle convection over the strictly layered alternative. Other topical issues include chemically equilibrated compositional models versus mechanical mixtures of components of contrasting chemical composition; melting of eclogite-pyroxenite lenses in a harzburgite mantle; the seismological observability of mantle plumes; the influence of pressure-induced electronic spin-pairing on wavespeed-depth gradients in the lower mantle; and the survival of heterogeneity in a vigorously convecting mantle.
This Symposium is also listed by IAVCEI as J-V04.

Keynote Speakers: Rick Carlson (Carnegie Institution of Washington), Cinzia Farnetani (IPG, Paris)

Invited Speakers: Bill Mc Donough (Univ. of Maryland), Eiichi Takahashi (Tokyo Institute of Technology), Shijie Zhong (Univ. of Colorado, Boulder)

Please be advised JS06 session has merged with JG06. To view IAG Symposia schedule, please click here.

Organiser: IASPEI
Co-Sponsors: IAG
Lead Convenors: Jeff Freymueller (United States of America)  
Co-convenors: David D. Jackson (United States of America), Valentin Mihkailov (Russia)

Geodetic techniques including GPS, InSAR, LIDAR, and others have been used to estimate coseismic displacements from earthquakes and to model the deformation and stress accumulation leading to future earthquakes. In this session we will consider all aspects of geodesy as applied in earthquake studies. Important questions to be addressed include these: How unique are the estimates of co-seismic slip distribution? How deep does co-seismic slip penetrate? Why do geodetic and geologic methods often give differing estimates of fault slip rates? Can a combination of seismic, geodetic, and geologic deformation measurements constrain the rheology of rocks in seismic zones? Can tectonic moment rates derived from geodetic strain be used to infer long term seismic strain rates? Do temporal variations in strain rates effectively portend future earthquakes?
This symposium is listed under J-G06

Organiser: IASPEI
Co-Sponsors: IACS, IAG, IAGA
Lead Convenor: Ian Allison (Australia)
Co-convenors: Marino Russi (Italy), Doug Wiens (United States of America), Aude Chambodut (France), Reinhard Dietrich (Germany)

Scope: New instrumental and data analysis techniques, and increased scientific activity during the International Polar Year 2007-2008 (IPY) have led to major recent advances in our understanding of the geophysics of both the Antarctic and Arctic regions.  This symposium will focus on the current status of geophysical and geodetic research in both polar regions.  It may include results, for example, from the large airborne geophysical surveys undertaken in Antarctica during IPY, and new and ongoing monitoring efforts.  Although still limited, the seismic instrumental coverage of the Antarctic continent and in Greenland has been lately improved and ocean bottom seismograph deployment projects are under way. Papers on network improvements and data acquisition in these difficult environments are welcome. Recent studies with new data on both seismic sources and lithospheric structure and deformation and related discontinuities are very much encouraged.

The session will also be an opportunity to present the latest studies on temporal and spatial variations of Earth's magnetic field that focus on the polar perspective. Papers, on topics including network improvements, data acquisition and modeling results in these remote areas are welcome. Recent studies on both magnetic phenomena generated externally to the Earth, as well as magnetic phenomena generated in the Earth's interior, are encouraged. The symposium aims to also provide a forum that could lead to a better co-ordination of national and international efforts in the Arctic and Antarctic.

Please be advised JS08 session has merged with JV12. To view IAVCEI Symposia schedule, please click here.

Organiser: IASPEI
Lead Convenors: J. Neuberg (United Kingdom), H Kumagai (Japan), J Johnson (United States of America)

Scope: Seismic and infrasonic monitoring of active and dormant volcanoes is the key element of any monitoring program undertaken by volcano observatories or research institutions. Major advances in volcano seismology have been made in recent years allowing us to identify several categories of volcanic seismic events, and interpret them in terms of different magmatic or tectonic processes encountered on a volcano. Attempts based on multi-disciplinary methodologies turned out to be particularly successful.
This session is dedicated to latest developments in volcano seismological monitoring techniques, interpretation and modelling methodology in a wider volcanological context.

We invite contributions for both oral and poster presentations that deal with any seismological aspects relevant to volcano monitoring, new methodologies as well as case studies from a wide variety of volcanic settings. This includes advances in seismic instrumentation, as well as theoretical approaches. Particularly welcome are studies that combine seismic and infrasound measurements with other monitoring or modelling techniques, such as ground deformation, gas monitoring, petrology and fluid dynamics of magmatic systems

Organisers: IASPEI, IAGA, IAVCEI
Lead Convenors: M. Johnston (United States of America), T. Harinarayana (India)

Scope: The realization that earthquakes, aseismic fault failure and tsunamis generate electromagnetic phenomena has been the subject of intense interest during the past few years. Crustal phenomena may arise directly and/or indirectly from source processes driving these tectonic events and may reflect the roles of fluids in active faulting. Unfortunately, not all aspects of these measurements, or theories proposed to explain them, are well understood. Tsunami effects arise from the movement of conducting seawater in the Earths’ magnetic field. This symposium will focus on the following four main areas of investigation:
- Measurements of electric and magnetic fields near active faults and with tsunamis
- Controlled laboratory observations and observations from natural laboratories such as locked faults, slipping faults and stress from dam loading/filling,
- Theoretical considerations regarding source generation mechanisms.
- Measurement resolution, data quality, identification separation and removal of spurious signal sources.
Each of these areas provides insight into, and quantification of, electromagnetic fields generated by earthquakes and tsunamis.

Organisers: IASPEI, IAGA, IAVCEI
Lead Convenors: M. Parrot (France), Y. Hobara (Japan)

Scope: Observations of electromagnetic phenomena associated with seismic and volcanic activities have been reported for many years. Perturbations occur not only in the lithosphere but also in the atmosphere and ionosphere, leading to the generation of a new science field, lithosphereatmosphere- ionosphere coupling. This session will accept papers dealing with new observational findings on the seismic effects with satellites. Contributions along the following lines are also encouraged:
- The TEC variation provided by GPS satellites,
- Coordinated satellite and ground-based EM experiments.

Please be advised JS11 session has merged with JV09. To view IASPEI Symposia schedule, please click here.

Organisers: IASPEI, IAGA, IAVCEI
Lead Convenor: J. Zlotnicki (France)
Co-convenors: Y. Sasai (Japan), V. Spichak (Russia)

Scope: Electromagnetic methods have been intensively applied to volcanic systems, hydrothermal and geothermal fields for understanding the structure and tectonic setting, and for monitoring the activity. Analyses of long time series undoubtedly show that magnetic and electric effects can precede volcanic eruptions, and geothermal activities. The development of new technologies and methodologies allows us to clarify the relationships among magmatic, hydrothermal, environmental and mechanical processes. Combination of land and satellite EM studies with other geophysical observations could also drastically improve the description and understanding of on-going processes.
The session will focus on the following lines:
- EM tomography and modelling of volcanic/geothermal environments,
- Integrated EM monitoring such as self-potential, magnetic, electric, magnetotelluric, combined with satellite observations,
- Joint EM, geochemical, thermal, ground deformation and seismic observations,
- Laboratory experiments and physical mechanisms of EM generation processes,
- Modelling of volcanic activity

This Symposium is also listed by IAVCEI as J-V09

Organisers: IASPEI, IAGA, IAVCEI
Lead Convenor: T. Nagao (Japan)
Co-convenors: Konstantinos Eftaxias (Greece), Friedemann Freund (United States of America)

Scope: It is generally believed that the achievement of the short-term earthquake prediction is very difficult. However, this topic is one of the ultimate goals of the solid earth sciences. Furthermore, to achieve short-term prediction, the unambiguous identification of precursory phenomena is essential. During the past few decades, there have been strong arguments about the reality of the existence of “reliable” precursory phenomena. In this session, we would like to focus not only on electromagnetic “precursors” but all suggestions of “reliable” earthquake precursors. Most important will be evidence showing clear uniqueness of these signals in the long-term record, relation to other independent geophysical data and their generation mechanisms. Thus, we would like to discuss the following topics from a critical points of view.
1) All kinds of evidences of precursory phenomena, involving seismic, geodetic, geochemical, hydrological, in addition to electromagnetic anomalies, and their inter-relationships.
2) Theoretical models and lab experiments to explain the physical mechanisms behind precursory phenomena.
3) Study of various data bases with new procedures (e.g. critical approach).

Please be advised S01 session has merged with S03. To view IASPEI Symposia schedule, please click here

Lead Convenor: Dmitry A. Storchak (United Kingdom)
Co-Convenors: Michael Korn (Germany), E. Robert Engdahl (United States of America), James Dewey (United States of America), Johannes Schweitzer (Norway), Richard Luckett (United Kingdom)

Scope: The essence of seismology lies in the observation and interpretation of earthquakes and earthquake-generated ground motions, effective data analysis, archiving and dissemination. The real Earth structure varies in three-dimensions and is anisotropic and anelastic in part. Thus, methods for seismogram interpretation need to take into account complexities in the Earth, which are revealed in the currently available high quality data. Papers are invited for the topics:

• Developments in seismic instrumentation, networks and data centres, early warning systems, large-scale portable networks, international data exchange and management of massive data sets.
• Rapid and routine determination of earthquake parameters, particularly in the context of natural disasters as well as the verification and detection associated with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
• Comprehensive seismogram analysis at single stations, seismic networks and arrays - requirements, potentials and future developments.
• Role of single stations, regional and international data centres in improving and modernizing the global catalogues of earthquakes.
• Advances in wave propagation in heterogeneous media, including synthetic seismograms and waveform modelling in realistic Earth structures, theory and observations of scattering, attenuation, anisotropy and seismic wave interferometry.
• Developments in seismological interpretation, including development of inversion techniques, seismic tomography and whole-Earth analysis methods.
• Earthquake location and relocation, reference events.
• Quantification of earthquake size: magnitude, energy and moment.

Lead Convenors: Stanislaw Lasocki (Poland), Aderson Farias do Nascimento (Brasil)

Scope: The phenomenon of triggered and induced seismicity is an unwanted rockmass response to human technological activity. As, implied by rising demands for energy and minerals, this activity increases, the induced seismicity appears in areas previously known as aseismic and  in association with quite diverse technological processes. It can result from stress or pore pressure changes, from a volume change, from loading or unloading in the rockmass and from combinations of such causes. Therefore induced earthquakes accompany underground and open-pit mining, hydrocarbon production, reservoir impoundment, geothermal energy production, underground fluid and gas storage including carbon sequestration and many other technological processes that perturb the boundary conditions in the affected rockmass. In general these events are small compared to tectonic events, yet they can be dangerous, often damaging and occasionally devastating. The hazards associated with triggered earthquakes are still poorly unpredictable and controllable. The goal of this session is to recognize the severity of the induced and triggered seismicity world-widely, and to summarize the present state of knowledge about these seismic processes. The problem of induced seismicity, comprising a combination of human action on rocks with the rock response, is intrinsically interdisciplinary. Its research involves, therefore, also studies of the particular technological processes that lead to the induced seismic activity. The session is meant to help in identifying  common areas of various induced seismic processes: the mining induced, reservoir induced, thermal induced etc. Is it possible to extract common components of induced seismic hazards regardless the location of origin of the man-made seismicity? Similarities and differences between the natural and human induced seismicity are other aspects to be discussed. Which methods of earthquake seismology can and which cannot be transferred onto induced seismicity problems? To what extent induced activity can be considered as a scale laboratory relevant for natural seismic processes? Contributions addressing the above topics and all other problems of the induced seismicity are welcome.

Please be advised S03 session has merged with S01. To view IASPEI Symposia schedule, please click here

Lead Convenors: Ray Durrheim (South Africa), Andrew Nyblade (United States of America), Paul Dirks (Australia)

Scope: In the session we seek to bring together investigations of the structure and evolution of the African continent, particularly features such as the Superplume, Superswell, and East African Rift System, as well as studies that seek to apply this knowledge to mitigate geohazards and explore for energy and mineral resources.

Lead Convenor: Lisa Grant Ludwig (United States of America)
Co-convenors: David Jackson (United States of America)

Scope: The time scale of fault rupture and recurrence of strong ground motion exceeds the period of instrumental observation of earthquakes in most parts of the world. A number of methods have been developed to supplement the instrumental record with observations of the prehistoric record of fault ruptures and the spatial and temporal distribution of shaking and other effects of earthquakes. In this session, we invite contributions from studies employing non-instrumental methods in paleoseismology, archeoseismology and analyses of fragile landforms such as precariously balanced rocks to provide insight to the temporal and spatial distribution of large earthquakes on timescales that are important for seismic hazard assessment.

Lead Convenors: Gerardo Suarez (Mexico), Torild van Eck (The Netherlans), Rhett Butler (United States of America)

Scope: The International Federation of Digital Seismograph Networks (FDSN) is a global organization. Its membership is comprised of groups responsible for the installation and maintenance of seismographs either within their geographic borders or globally. Membership in the FDSN is open to all organizations that operate more than one broadband station. Members agree to coordinate station siting and provide free and open access to their data. This cooperation helps scientists all over the world to further the advancement of earth science and particularly the study of global seismic activity. The FDSN also holds commission status within IASPEI.
We encourage technical/scientific contributions providing an overview of networks intending to become member of the FDSN, new transformative developments at FDSN member networks and innovative technical developments that have had a significant impact on facilitating and promoting efficient transnational real-time data exchange. The session will be accompanied by a number of side meetings of the different FDSN working groups (see also www.fdsn.org).

Lead Convenors Harsh Gupta (India), Wu Zhongliang (China), D. Srinagesh (India), P. Burton (United Kingdom)

Scope: In spite of scientific and technological developments, impact of natural hazards and disasters continues to rise. Recent devastating earthquakes exemplify this statement. The Haiti earthquake of January 12, 2010, although of M 7 only, has claimed over 200,000 human lives. What are the lessons to be learnt? What can be done to prevent earthquake hazards becoming disasters? How helpful are earthquake scenarios? Are we successful in implementing measures to reduce earthquake hazard? The symposium would focus on recent large and destructive earthquakes and the lessons learnt. Contributions on related topics are invited. 

Lead Convenors: Mohsen Ghafory-Ashtiany (Iran), Hiroshi Kawase (Japan)
 
Scope:To predict strong ground motions for future scenario earthquakes, we need to characterize factors such as:  source spectra, GM characteristics, path attenuation, local site amplification, etc. For theoretical synthesis of strong motions we would like to have detailed physical process of rupture on the surface of a hypothesized fault, which is not an easy task since observed data and information of the shallow crust are not sufficient to delineate such a detailed source process yet. Even though up-to-date networks for strong motion observation throughout the world are continuously expanding, near-source records for larger-size events are still rare and precious. As for the path effects, we can invert quite stable values of Q thorough the so-called spectral inversion, however, we have not successfully mapped these observed "whole-path Q values" to the Q values as material parameters. As for the local site amplification we would like to have relative amplification characteristics at a target site with respect to a reference (bedrock) site from observed strong motions and then delineate a physical model of ground structure that can reproduce such characteristics. It sounds simple, however, in reality this is the most complex and important part of the strong motion prediction procedure. That is primarily because a high impedance contrast of ground structure creates strong interactions and interferences among different types of seismic waves and so a lot of information or a-priori constraints are necessary to resolve the source of complexity in observed waveforms.
Based on the above mentioned introduction, the session will be focused on the following topics:

1. Strong Ground Motion seismology: observation, interpretation and modeling
2. Need for measurement and identification of rotational components of SGM.
3. Description and modeling of source, path and site effects
4. Effect of source to site path on the characteristics of SGM and its attenuation
5. Scenario based SGM data base for reliable structural analysis
6. SGM data processing for linear and nonlinear dynamic analysis
7. Near-field characteristics of SGM
8. SGM Intensity Measures. How to include all effecting parameters for more quantitative prediction/reproduction of strong motions for hazard mitigation
9. Soil and site characterization effect on SGM characteristics and SGM data processing
10. Surface topography effects on SGM
11. Non-linear response of soils: observations, characterization(lab and in-situ tests), modeling

Lead Convenors: Mohsen Ghafory-Ashtiany (Iran), Domenico Giardini (Switzerland), Andrzej Kijko (South Africa)

Scope: Earthquake risk reduction and control as a crucial criterion for sustainable development, minimizing social and economic loss and disruption due to earthquakes, requires reliable assessment of seismic hazard, vulnerability of the built environment and risk. All of these provide the critical basis for improved building codes and construction, emergency response plans, protection of critical infrastructures, land use planning for sustainable development, and insurance strategies. The seismic hazard assessment (probability of exceeding a specific ground motion) as one of the main component of seismic risk requires good understanding and identification of earthquake source and it activity or seismicity (probability of occurrence of earthquakes in time and space) and strong ground motion attenuation from source to the site. Despite the great achievement in the development of the SHA methodologies, we are still unable to predict the expected ground motion due to the lack of reliable models and data, as it was discussed in IASPEI 2009 GA. It is expected that through the global scientific efforts of GEM projects, we will be able to better identify the seismic sources and their activity (instrumental, historical and pre-historical periods) with geologic evidence; and develop a global set of attenuation models following the Next Generation Attenuation (NGA) approach to take into account local site conditions.
With this introduction, this session is intended to provide a forum for scientific overview and exchange on what has been developed under GEM projects and others, on the following topics:

1. Importance of reliable Seismic Source modeling and identification in SHA
2. Earthquake Catalogues (Present and Historical).
3. Ground Motion Predictions.
4. Probabilistic and Deterministic (scenario-based) Seismic Hazard Modeling and Models.
5. Seismic hazard, Vulnerability and Risk Analysis relations and process
6. Socio-economic consequences, modelling and analysis
7. Loss estimations

Lead Convenors: Aldo Zollo (Italy), Jochen Zschau (Germany)

Scope: The earthquake early warning systems (EEWS) are real-time, modern monitoring infrastructures that are able to provide an automatic notification of the potential damaging effects of an impending earthquake, through rapid telemetry and processing of data from dense instrument arrays deployed in the source region of the event of concern and/or surrounding the target infrastructure. Such systems allow for mitigating actions to be taken before strong shaking and can significantly shorten the time necessary for emergency response and the recovery of critical facilities such as roads, hospitals and communication lines.
Following the pioneering experiences in Japan, Mexico and Taiwan, during the last two decades we assisted to the worldwide development, implementation and  testing of several early warning systems at a planetary scale, based on different technological and methodological approaches. Robust and effective algorithms for the real time processing of streamed seismic signals have been developed and off-line/real-time tested on several moderate to large earthquake data recorded in several active seismic regions worldwide.
The earthquake magnitude or the earthquake potential damage is generally estimated using prediction equations which are obtained through empirical regression analyses of real-time measured ground motion parameters on strong motion and broadband earthquake records. On the other hand, the feasibility and accuracy of the real-time earthquake magnitude determination for large earthquakes, using the information carried out in the initial portion of recorded P-signals, is matter of investigation and debate.
This symposium is opened to researchers in the field of real-time seismology and engineering applications of early warning who intend to contribute both on technological and multi-disciplinary methodological aspects of early warning, by illustrating theories, observations and applications at different spatial scales.

Lead Convenors: Dr. Sci. Alexey Dm. Zavyalov (Russia), Prof. Ian Main (United Kingdom), Prof. Serge A. Shapiro (Germany), Prof. Arcady Dyskin (Australia)

Scope: The purpose of the Session is to promote advances in experimental and theoretical research on fundamental earthquake physics. Special emphasis will be placed on: the development of new and existing quantitative physical models for the seismic process at different scales; the validation of such models and quantification of their uncertainty (both in natural seismogenic settings and in response to engineering perturbations such as mining-induced seismicity); and on their impact on forecasting methodology and quality.
Contributions to the session are invited for the following topics:

• Physical modeling of earthquake processes;
• Modeling and monitoring of earthquake processes for forecasting;
• Fractal and multifractal structure of seismicity;
• Triggering and synchronization of seismicity;
• Variations and synchronization of geophysical fields in the earthquake prone area;
• Seismicity as a manifestation of critical or near-critical behavior of the crust.

Lead Convenors: David D. Jackson (United States of America), David Rhoades (New Zealand)

Scope: Public officials and citizens need estimates of future earthquake probabilities, whether or not scientists have a complete understanding of earthquake behavior. Earthquake forecasts (probability of earthquakes per unit location, magnitude, and time) are needed for hazard estimation, response planning, risk management, insurance, geophysical experiments, and understanding earthquake behavior. To date, earthquake forecasts have relied on reasonable but unverified assumptions such as fault segmentation, quasi-periodic recurrence, characteristic earthquakes, seismic gaps, Gutenberg-Richter magnitude distribution, Coulomb stress interactions, earthquake clustering, etc. In this session we seek presentations of earthquake forecasts comprehensive enough to test prospectively before the 2015 IUGG General Assembly. Forecasts should be clear enough that any future earthquake could be unambiguously associated with a prescribed probability, or recognized as outside the bound of a test. Forecasts should also predict at least a few dozen earthquakes before the 2015 GA. We also seek presentations on testing methodology and ideas for direct testing of the assumptions listed above.

Lead Convenor: David D. Jackson (United States of America)

Scope: Recent geodetic and high-frequency seismic observations have revealed a previously unrecognized deformation mechanism, often called “episodic tremor and slip,” or ETS, at plate boundaries and elsewhere. This process, which bridges a gap between elastic and viscoelastic properties, affects the stress environment at the base of the seismogenic zone, where many earthquakes nucleate. We invite contributions using seismic, geodetic, laboratory, theoretical, and computational approaches to understanding this complex of phenomena. Important questions include the following:
Under what conditions is ETS periodic, and why? Does ETS propagate continuously? What causes ETS to start and stop? What is the role of fluids? And especially important, how does ETS affect large earthquakes, and will it provide new predictive information?

Lead Convenors: G A Houseman (United Kingdom), Kevin Furlong (United States of America)

Recent years have seen a great increase in the capability of temporary seismic arrays used to collect continuous broadband seismic data, both on land, and more recently using ocean bottom seismographs.  In addition the national networks of permanent stations have increased in size and quality, as have the methods for distributing and archiving data.  We invite contributions that describe innovations in processing, imaging and interpretation methods applicable to studies of the lithosphere and mantle.  We also invite contributions that describe lithospheric and mantle structure using imaging techniques such as tomography and receiver functions.  Regional studies which illustrate the  application of these imaging methods to the solution of specific geodynamical problems are particularly encouraged.

Lead Convenors: Kevin Furlong (United States of America), G A Houseman (United Kingdom) 

Scope: The more we learn about plate boundaries the more interesting they become.  The simple plate tectonic classification into convergent, divergent and transform boundaries still broadly works, but in each case a rich catalogue of structures and processes is revealed on closer inspection.  Transform boundaries more often than not involve significant convergent or divergent elements, and a transform element is typically present in convergent and divergent boundaries.  We invite contributions which illuminate the processes that govern the evolution of plate boundaries, including geodynamical modelling studies, and including regional studies which incorporate seismological, geodetic, geochronological or other data to reveal the seismic, structural and magmatic processes acting on specific plate boundary segments.  This session will have a lithospheric-scale focus, but contributions are also invited relating to the role of the crust or upper mantle at plate boundaries.

Lead Convenors: M.K. Savage (New Zealand), J. Plomerova (Czech Republic), J-M. Kendall (United Kingdom), Ian Jackson (Australia)   

Scope: Analyses of seismic anisotropy and attenuation provide insights into crustal and mantle processes not possible with conventional analysis based on isotropic elasticity. Anisotropy can be used to map both past and present deformation and stress, whilst attenuation offers great potential to illuminate thermal variations. Both can be very sensitive to the presence of melt. Mechanisms that control these seismic attributes must be considered on a range of length scales. Here we invite contributions that present seismic observations and methodologies, geodynamical modelling of such effects, and constraints from mineral/rock physics. We particularly encourage multi-disciplinary approaches to interpreting observations of anisotropy and attenuation.

Invited Speakers: Yasuko Takei (ERI Univ. of Tokyo), Sara (Pozgay) Rawlinson (The Australian National University)

Lead Convenor: Walter D Mooney (United States of America)

Scope: There have been several disastrous earthquakes in the past decade that have required a rapid assessment of the underlying causes of the tragic loss of life and property. Local strong motion data provide estimates of peak acceleration and velocity. Finite fault models describe the rupture in time and space. Post-earthquake field studies reveal structural vulnerabilities in the built environment, and document the role of liquefaction. This session welcomes all contributions to the broad topic of post-earthquake disaster assessments that are based on scientific and technical studies, both in the effected area and based on remotely available data. Recent earthquake disasters in China, Italy, Indonesia and Haiti are particularly welcome.

Please be advised S17 session her merged with S18. To view IASPEI Symposia schedule, please click here.

Lead Convenors: Lisa Grant Ludwig (United States of America)  
Co-convenor: Mohsen Ghafory-Ashtiany (Iran)

Scope: Earthquakes are a significant threat to public health in seismically active areas worldwide.  Scientists have made progress in understanding the causes and effects of earthquakes, and identifying hazardous areas, but the solution to the earthquake problem must be found in human response. Traditional approaches to reducing earthquake risk involve identification and quantification of hazard by earth scientists, followed by mitigation through engineering and planning. Public health focuses on prevention of harm and promotion of safe living conditions, based on scientific understanding of processes. In this session we invite contributions on the public health impact of earthquakes and innovative methods for protecting vulnerable populations from earthquake risk.

Please be advised session S18 has merged with S17. To view IASPEI Symposia schedule, please click here.

Lead Convenors: Peter Bormann (Germany), John Taber (United States of America), Valiya M. Hamza (Brazil)
Scope: Efficient and highly motivating education and training programs in geosciences and related techniques are essential for fostering science education at high schools and bringing up the next generation of researchers and hazard managers. Such education and training is also indispensable for ensuring that new and existing seismic networks, arrays, geophysical observatories and field campaigns are run efficiently, producing comprehensive data of best quality, in accordance with international standards and recommendations,  so as to provide a solid bases for ongoing and future research and application. Accordingly, the symposium will focus on concepts and case examples for training in seismology as well as in physics and hazards of the Earth at all levels, from high school and college instructors through to hazard managers and professional geophysicists. Invited are both oral and internet presentations as well as posters on the following topics:

• Professional education of geoscientists by informed use of standard data basis, the web version of the IASPEI New Manual of Seismological Observatory Practice (NMSOP_2) and other educational modules and tools for online and in-person training;
• Case examples and modules specifically suitable for the training of network operators and hazard managers in developing countries;
• Case examples of successful programs and affordable technologies or design concepts for seismology and geophysics education at schools, which also include self-reliant practical work;
• Education of teachers, press, officials, etc., especially in using online technologies.

Other related topics, tools, demonstrations, as well e-learning modules and results of their application are very welcomhe.

Lead Convenors: Gary Gibson (Australia), Mark Quigley (New Zealand)
Scope: The magnitude Mw 7.1 earthquake on 4 September 2010 near Darfield, 45 km west of Christchurch, New Zealand, caused considerable damage, but few serious injuries and no fatalities. It was followed by an Ms 6.3, Mw 6.1, earthquake on 22 February 2011 at shallow depth and within 5 km of Christchurch, which caused extensive damage and over 180 fatalities. The significance of proximity was evident. Effects included very strong motion recorded in the epicentral areas, triggering of large rockfalls, and widespread soil failure and liquefaction. Invited speakers were all directly involved in the response to the earthquakes, and provide an overview covering seismology, tectonics and earthquake geology, geodesy, liquefaction and rockfalls.

Invited Speakers: Cowan (EQC), Berryman, (GNS), Quigley (Univ of Canterbury), Beavan (GNS), Van Dissen (GNS), Rosser (GNS)

Organiser: IASPEI, IUGG, and Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)
Co-sponsors: IAMAS, IAPSO
Principal Convenors: Lassina Zerbo (Burkina Faso), Zhongliang Wu (China)
Co-convenor: Andrew Forbes (United Kingdom), David Jepsen (Australia), David McCormack (Canada)

Scope: The global verification system of the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) relies more on cutting-edge science and technology than any other international arms control treaty. All components of the CTBT’s unique verification system – the International Monitoring System (IMS) with a global network of 337 monitoring facilities, the International Data Centre (IDC) for the analysis of large amounts of data, and an On-Site Inspection Regime (OSI) that utilizes a series of high-resolution technologies – are dependent on ongoing development of science and technology and a close relation to, and interaction with, the scientific community. The symposium will be focused on, but not limited to, the scientific topics of the CTBTO verification system (seismological, infrasound, hydro-acoustic and radionuclide monitoring; atmospheric transport modelling; and high-resolution geophysical and radionuclide surveys) and will include an overview of the verification system, its current status, and the underpinning sciences. Because the global verification system uses multiple technologies to detect seismo-acoustic events, which may be nuclear in origin, studies exploiting the synergy between sciences cross-cut the topics of several IUGG Associations. Contributions on the use of CTBT monitoring data to enhance sustainability (such as preparedness for and warning of natural hazards and the management of nuclear incidents) are welcome. New developments in geophysical science and technology and their implications for CTBT monitoring and the use of CTBT monitoring data in basic geophysical studies on the physics and chemistry of the Earth's interior are also issues of interest to this symposium.

The theme of the 2011 IUGG General Assembly is “Science for a Sustainable Planet”. Nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation are essential elements in creating a Sustainable Planet. Science and technology have been important to develop the verification regime of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), the most extensive international verification system ever created. The purpose of this regime is to detect and locate nuclear explosions in the atmospheric, underwater and underground. The main challenge is to monitor underground tests and discriminate such tests from other artificial and/or natural events, in particular earthquakes.

The verification system is built on a number of sciences such as seismology, infrasound, hydro-acoustics, and radionuclide observations. Modelling and monitoring of atmospheric transportation play an important role in the tracing of radionuclides, which is crucial in identifying a nuclear test. To provide high quality data, observation systems have to be operated and maintained in a professional way, and their performance have to be monitored and evaluated. The application of new concepts, such as data fusion and data mining, are essential to analyse and to exploit a rapidly increasing amount of data. The International Monitoring System (IMS) and similar large scale observation systems established for scientific purposes are, in a way similar to accelerators in high-energy physics and satellites in space science, “big science device” providing not only experiences and lessons on monitoring practice, but also unique datasets of great value in basic research and in the application of science and technology for sustainability. New frontiers in modern geophysics, such as high-precision seismology, high-performance computation for atmosphere transport modelling, automatic processing of signals, and satellite remote sensing technology, as well as the newly developed “Digital Earth” technique, have provided the monitoring of CTBT with new opportunities and new challenges. Remarked by a series of important events, especially the Conference “CTBT 1996-2006: Synergies with Science and Beyond”, and the 2009 Conference “International Scientific Studies” (ISS09), a new era of cooperation between CTBT monitoring communities and scientific communities has started, which will contribute both to the CTBT monitoring practice and to the development of geophysical science.

To reflect the up-to-date advancements in this inter-disciplinary field, this Union symposium is focused on, but not limited to, geophysical studies of CTBT monitoring. Contributions from seismic, hydro-acoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide monitoring, data processing, data fusion and data mining, and system performance evaluation are welcome to the session, highlighting the implementation and synergy of different technologies for CTBT monitoring. Contributions on the use of CTBT monitoring data to enhance sustainability (such as the preparedness of natural hazards and the management of nuclear incidents) are also welcome. New developments of geophysical science and technology and its implication for CTBT monitoring and the using of CTBT monitoring data in basic geophysical studies on the physics and chemistry of the Earth’s interior are also issues of interest to this Union symposium. All contributions to the symposium are in the form of posters. Oral presentations are by invitation only.

Keywords: seismology, infrasound monitoring, hydro-acoustic monitoring, radio nuclide monitoring, atmospheric transport modelling, data mining, data analysis, sustainability.

Review: All contributed abstracts will be reviewed by the convenors.

Options: All contributed abstracts will be presented as posters. Only invited papers will be scheduled for oral presentations.

Organiser: IUGG Union Commission on Study of the Earth and Deep Interior
Co-sponsors: IAGA, IASPEI, IAVCEI
Principal Convenors: Gauthier Hulot (France)
Co-convenors: Michael Bergman (United States of America), Greg Houseman (United Kingdom), Satoru Tanaka (Japan),

Scope: The broad goal of this symposium is to report on the latest progress in our understanding of the past, current and future state of the Earth’s deep interior.  The ‘deep interior’ is broadly interpreted to include the core and lower mantle, but interest inevitably extends to the upper mantle, for example, in the study of mantle plumes or dynamics of descending lithospheric slabs. The scientific questions and problems of interest to this session include 1) the composition, state and material properties of the Earth’s deep interior as revealed by experimental and theoretical means; 2) the thermal evolution of the Earth, in particular the various convective regimes the core and mantle may have experienced through the Earth’s history, as predicted by theoretical, numerical simulation and experimental studies; 3) the way this evolution may be reconciled with the current and past dynamical state of the Earth, as revealed by geophysical, geochemical and paleomagnetic data; 4) the age, growth, structure and dynamics of the inner core, especially in view of understanding its present inhomogeneous and anisotropic properties; 5) the dynamics of the outer core and of the field generated by its dynamo at all time scales. Particularly welcome are cross-disciplinary and cross-methodological (theoretical, numerical, experimental, and observational) contributions, especially in view of better understanding the way the inner-core, the outer core and the mantle may have been, and may still, be interacting with each other. Invited and contributed papers will be presented in this session.

Keywords: core, lower mantle, upper mantle, mantle plumes, descending lithosphere, thermal evolution, convection, mantle composition, geodynamo, growth and structure of the inner core.

Review: All contributed abstracts will be reviewed by the convenors

Options: All contributed abstracts will be presented as posters. Only invited papers will be scheduled for oral presentations.

Organisers: IAG
Co-sponsors: IAGA, IASPEI, IAVCEI, International Lithosphere Program (ILP), and International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS)
Principal Convenors: John Dawson (Australia)
Co-convenors: Sierd Cloetingh (The Netherlands), Ian Ferguson (Canada), Kevin Furlong (United States of America)

Scope: Understanding the structure and deformation of plate interiors and their margins has important implications for society, and more and more there will be a reliance on a knowledge base of its past, present and future state. For example, society's increasing demand for energy and groundwater security will require geoscientists to address issues associated with geothermal energy supply, geo-sequestration of waste products, the impact of groundwater use, and natural hazards. This will require integrated and new approaches to the observation, modelling and interpretation of processes within the crust and lithosphere. This symposium shall consist of invited talks that will address the science associated with the structure and deformation of the Australian Plate including recent developments and findings in Earth imaging, numerical modeling, inversion, data mining approaches, earthquake seismology, volcanology and geodetic measurement of crustal deformation.

Keywords: Continental lithosphere, Australian plate, deformation

Review: All contributed abstracts will be reviewed by the convenors

Options: All contributed abstracts will be presented as posters. Only invited papers will be scheduled for oral presentations. Tentative list of invited speakers

Organiser: IAMAS
Co-sponsors: IAHS, IAPSO, IASPEI
Principal Convenors: Michael MacCracken (United States of America), Alan Robock (United States of America)
Co-convenors: Larry Brown (United States of America), Ken Denman (Canada), Dave Jackson (United States of America), Dongxiao Zhang (China)

Scope: With the pace of climate change increasing and the array and magnitude of climate impacts intensifying, increasing attention is being paid to the potential for limiting the effects of anthropogenic climate change through large-scale geotechnical means, often called geoengineering. The most discussed approaches include deliberately altering the Earth's radiation balance and intervening in the carbon cycle or other biogeochemical cycles, for example via scrubbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Although specific approaches have been proposed, relatively little is known about their potential effectiveness and possible unintended consequences. Issues of technological feasibility are also largely unexplored. The set of invited presentations will describe and address the potential effectiveness and scientific and technical problems associated with deliberate climate modification, including the potential for enhancement of terrestrial and oceanic carbon sinks. Presentations will cover modeling studies of the climatic impacts of proposed schemes for altering the absorption of solar radiation; studies of unintended environmental consequences; and evaluations of technological feasibility. Recognizing that geoengineering raises a range of environmental, societal, and governance issues, perspectives on how these complexities interface with proceeding with scientific research and potential deployment will also be offered.
This symposium is continued in greater depth in the Joint Symposium J-M01/J-V06 “Geoengineering: Can it limit climate change and its impacts?”

Keywords: geoengineering, climate intervention, global warming, carbon sequestration, solar
radiation management

Options: All papers in this symposium will be invited. Please contribute abstracts to the related Joint Symposium J-M01/J-V06 “Geoengineering: Can it limit climate change and its impacts?” which will have both oral and poster presentations.

Organiser: IAGA
Co-sponsors: IACS, IAG, IAMAS, IAPSO, IASPEI
Principal Convenors: Eigil Friis-Christensen (Denmark)
Co-Convenors: Ian Allison (Australia), Hugo Beltrami (Canada), Steven Nerem (United States of America), Gerassimos Papadopoulos (Greece), Denise Smythe-Wright (United Kingdom)

Scope: Climate change is a topic, which is on the top of the agenda, not only within the science community but also in the society at large. IUGG is a scientific organization, which covers many of the aspects of climate change including the causes, anthropogenic and natural, as well as the consequences. The purpose of this symposium is to demonstrate by invited speakers from various disciplines the complexity of the issue and the need for interdisciplinary initiatives in order to understand the science and the way it has an impacts on our society. IUGG is the primary scientific organizations to offer both the scientific expertise of the Associations and the overall perspective.

Keywords: climate dynamics, natural causes of climate change, anthropogenic causes of climate change.

Review: All contributed abstracts will be reviewed by the convenors.

Options: All contributed abstracts will be presented as posters. Only invited papers will be scheduled for oral presentations.

Organiser: IAGA – as part of IUGG Geoscience in Africa initiative and the eGY-Africa program.
Co-sponsors. IAG, IAHS, IAMAS, IAPSO, IASPEI, IAVCEI, African Geospace Society (AGS), Association of African Universities (AAU), Africa Earth Observing Network (AEON), AfricaArray; ICSU Regional Office for Africa, CODATA, International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications (INASP), UN Global Alliance for Information and Communication Technologies and Development (UN-GAID), U.S. InterAcademy Panel on International Issues (IAP); European Enabling Grid for e-Science (EGEE); Geoscience Information in Africa (GIRAF); and the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste (ICTP).
Principal Convenor: Charles Barton (Australia)
Co-convenors: Abdelkrim Aoudia (Algeria), Hussein A. Abd-Elmotaal (Egypt), Rabiu Babatunde (Nigeria), Harouna Karambiri (Burkina Faso), Christine Amory-Mazaudier (France), Daniel Nyanganyura (South Africa), Laban Ogallo (Kenya), Bamol Sow (Senegal), Maarten de Wit (South Africa).

Scope: The session will cover a combination of both the leading Earth and space science being undertaken and planned in Africa in the areas covered by all eight Associations, and also infrastructure issues (such as efforts to create a better professional environment for African scientists, open access to publications, internet connectivity, support for African science, education, and training). The symposium will provide (i) a forum for presenting and discussing the latest African geoscientific research, (ii) a cross-disciplinary view of geoscientific activity in Africa (Africa being the focus of the symposium), (iii) a stimulus for stronger interest and participation in African science by African and non-African scientists, and (iv) an opportunity to explore progress in creating a better professional working environment for people engaged in scientific research, education, and training in Africa.

Keywords: geoscience in Africa, integrated African research, unique African geoscience, research and education infrastructure, Internet connectivity, research and education networks, open access to publications, professional geoscientific bodies.

Review: All contributed abstracts will be reviewed by the convenors.

Options: All contributed abstracts may be presented as posters. The convenors will invite selected papers for oral presentations.

Organiser: IUGG
Co-sponsors: IACS, IAG, IAGA, IAHS, IAMAS, IAPSO, IASPEI, and IAVCEI
Lead Convenors: Harsh Gupta (India) and László Szarka (Hungary)

Scope: Earth and space sciences have played an increasingly important role in the past few decades in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of our planet and its environment. This development addresses the challenging endeavor to enrich human lives with the bounties of Nature as well as to preserve the planet for generations to come. Early career scientists have an extremely important role to play. They are the key players for the future development of Earth Sciences. At this Union Symposium, speakers (up to 40 years) from different geoscientific research disciplines will share their experience, expectations, successes, and concerns. We expect that the symposium's presentations will address the topic of what should be done in IUGG and its Associations for enhancing the role of Earth and space sciences in the service of mankind.

This symposium is under active development.

Organiser:  IAGA Div.3 (To be co-sponsored by IAGA Divisions I, II, V, Interdivisional Commission on History and IASPEI)
Lead Convenor: Brian J Fraser (Australia)  
Co-Convenor: Malcolm Johnston (United States of America)

Scope: The year 2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the first publication on the rapid geomagnetic fluctuations that are now known as the ultra-low-frequency (ULF) waves.  This landmark observation published in 1861 by Balfour Stewart of the Kew Observatory near London commenced an ever-growing research field whose topics range from the connection between solar activity to upper atmospheric phenomena, the dynamics of the magnetosphere, and the electric conductivity interior to the Earth.  These seemingly different subjects in fact share common observations and physics through ULF waves.  This special symposium will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the discovery of ULF waves by bringing together not only historical aspects of ULF research but also newly developed observational and modeling techniques that promise further understanding of both space and terrestrial environments.  Interests will be focused on the role of ULF waves in the solar-terrestrial and planetary sciences, the Earth sciences in the areas of wave generation and propagation processes, diagnostic techniques and applications.

Keywords: solar wind, magnetosphere, ionosphere, wave propagation, wave generation, electromagnetics in geophysics

Organisers: IAGA and IASPEI
Lead Convenor: Ellen Clarke (United Kingdom)
Co-Convenors: Tony Hurst (New Zealand), Rick Benson (United States of America)

Scope: Many sources of geophysical data remain in analogue format and are as yet untapped by today’s scientists. Mostly historical they may include, but are not limited to, magnetograms, seismographs, ionosondes, tidegauge records, borehole logs, observatory yearbooks and other published and unpublished results. Technological advances to cameras and scanners now provide the means for improved digital capture and thus rescue of the original analogue records. These hardware improvements, coupled with advances made in image processing software, also provide the tools for extracting digital data. This may be carried out using purposely written software to derive time series data from traces on graphs or optical character recognition software for cases such as tables of data. New techniques are being developed across the various geophysical disciplines and in order to maximise the benefits, there is a requirement to coordinate and promote knowledge exchange. 
This symposium will focus on the technology and tools which improve the automation of data rescue of all types whether the purpose is solely one of backup of the analogue records or to automatically extract the digital data. Presentations of new scientific results that have come out of this work are also encouraged.
The importance of metadata is also considered a topic that spans the various geophysical disciplines within IUGG. Various initiatives are on going to encourage relevant agencies to support the generation, preservation and dissemination of metadata and ensure the future usability of the data for interdisciplinary studies.  This inter-association symposium will therefore also aim at assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the various metadata systems. We encourage contributions that highlight progress made and current developments across the disciplines as well as how best to coordinate future efforts.

Keywords: data rescue, metadata, digitisation, image processing, historical data

Organiser: IAG
Co-sponsor: IAGA Inter-Divisional Commission on History, IASPEI
Lead Convenor: József Ádám (Hungary)
Co-Convenors: Kristine Harper (United States of America), Ron Doel (United States of America), Greg Good (United States of America), Alice Walker (United Kingdom)

Scope: With the launch of the International Geophysical Year-related Sputnik in 1957, the possibility of remotely-sensed geophysical data took a step closer to reality. Within a few years, sensors on satellites provided images of clouds, atmospheric temperature data, precise point positions, gravity and magnetic field parameters, Earth orientation in space, and data from regions from which little to no geophysical data had been available. These new data, in turn, prompted new research questions and the possibility of answering them. This session will explore this question: how has satellite-based remote sensing changed the research agenda and methodology of geophysics in the past 50 years?

Keywords: satellites, remote sensing, models, geophysics, Earth systems
science, history

Review: All contributed abstracts will be reviewed by the Convenors

Options: Contributed papers are optionally oral or poster presentations

Organiser: IAG
Co-sponsors: IACS, IAGA, IAHS, IAMAS, IAPSO, IASPEI, IAVCEI, IOC, GOOS, GCOS, GEO/GEOSS
Lead Convenor: Markus Rothacher (Switzerland)
Co-convenors: Ruth Neilan (United States of America), Mioara Mandea (France), Keith Alverson (France), Massimo Cocco (Italy)

Scope: Earth observations are the fundamental basis for most IUGG scientific research, activities, and applications. Integrating these observations is of increasing importance to better understand our planet Earth and the challenges we face now and in the coming decades. These observations are of vital importance for virtually all associations working under the auspices of IUGG and inter-association, even inter-Union activities are being further developed or initiated.  Entities like the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), the Global Terrestrial Observing System (GTOS), and the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), along with the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS), demonstrate the need for highly collaborative international observations that target key questions, and the systems necessary to integrate them for multi-disciplinary applications and decision-making. The importance of developing global observing strategies is recognized by GEO, the Group on Earth Observations, with its main aim to develop the GEOSS (Global Earth Observation System of Systems), which is supported on the government level by about more than 80 countries. This symposium shall give an overview of the major international developments towards integrating Earth observations, Inter-Union activities of the International Council for Science (ICSU), and developments within the IUGG associations.

Keywords: earth observations, monitoring systems

Review: All contributed abstracts will be reviewed by the Convenors

Options: Contributed papers are optionally oral or poster presentations

Organiser: IAG
Co-Sponsors: IASPEI
Lead Convenors: David D. Jackson (United States of America), Jeff Freymueller (United States of America)
Co-Convenors: Valentin Mihkailov (Russia)

Scope: Geodetic techniques including GPS, InSAR, LIDAR, and others have been used to estimate coseismic displacements from earthquakes and to model the deformation and stress accumulation leading to future earthquakes. In this session we will consider all aspects of geodesy as applied in earthquake studies. Important questions to be addressed include these: How unique are the estimates of co-seismic slip distribution? How deep does co-seismic slip penetrate? Why do geodetic and geologic methods often give differing estimates of fault slip rates? Can a combination of seismic, geodetic, and geologic deformation measurements constrain the rheology of rocks in seismic zones? Can tectonic moment rates derived from geodetic strain be used to infer long term seismic strain rates? Do temporal variations in strain rates effectively portend future earthquakes?

Keywords: Coseismic displacements, deformation measurements, stress accumulation

Review: All contributed abstracts will be reviewed by the Convenors

Options: Contributed papers are optionally oral or poster presentations

Organiser: IAVCEI
Co-sponsors: IASPEI, IAG, IAGA
Lead Convenors: Setsuya Nakada (Japan), Chris Newhall (Singapore), Freysteinn Sigmundsson (Iceland), Gill Jolly (New Zealand), Joan Marti (Spain)

Scope: Forecasting future eruptions based on monitoring and observation data is an  important issue for the volcanological community including IAVCEI. Anomalies are usually detectable when monitoring or observation with sufficient instruments is carried out, and the onset of eruptions can often be forecast.  However, false alarms remain a problem, and the style and duration of an eruption are still hard to forecast.  In addition to monitoring data, forecasting may use models of volcanic behavior, and always refers to geological and historical records of eruptions of the volcano in question and its analogues.  We still need a forecasting strategy for super eruptions, which will surely occur, threatening serious damage to human communities in the global scale. We seek papers that will deal with forecasting, monitoring and observation of recent and future eruptions, including geophysical, geochemical and geological methods. Papers of forecasting based on physical and chemical models are also welcomed.

Keynote Speakers: Warner Marzocchi (Italy) & Servando De la Cruz Reyna (Mexico)

Please be advised JV03 session has merged with JS04. To view IASPEI Symposia schedule, please click here.

Organiser: IAVCEI
Co-sponsors:  IASPEI, SEDI
Lead Convenors: Hugh O'Neill (Australia), Greg Yaxley (Australia), Ian Jackson (Australia), Tetsuo Irifune (Japan), Catherine Annen (United Kingdom), Luca Caricchi (United Kingdom)
Co-Convenors: Othmar Muntener (Switzerland)

Scope: This symposium is intended to provide a forum for presentation and discussion of research into the physico-chemical behaviour of geological materials with implications for the structure and evolution of the Earth's crust and upper mantle. Topics of current interest include elasticity and rheology; diffusion; electrical conductivity; oxidation state of the mantle; carbon in the mantle under varying P-T-redox conditions; partial melting in a heterogeneous mantle and melt extraction; metamorphic phase equilibria and dehydration of subducting slab; refertilization and melting of the mantle wedge; the distinctive properties of cratonic roots; water in nominally anhydrous minerals and its impact on elasticity and rheology.
This Symposium is also listed by IASPEI as J-S04.

Keynote Speaker: Prof Tomoo Katsura (Bayreuth, Germany)

Invited Speakers: Dr Jörg Hermann (Australian National University), Cin-Ty Lee (Rice University), Shun-ichiro Karato (Yale University)

Please be advised JV04 Symposium has merged with JS05. To view IASPEI Symposia schedule, please click here.

Organiser: IAVCEI
Co-sponsors: IASPEI, SEDI
Lead Convenors: Ian Jackson (Australia), Ian Campbell (Australia), Louis Moresi, Albrecht Hofmann, Hans-Peter Bunge

Scope: This symposium, reflecting on the career-long contribution of Geoff Davies, is intended to provide an interdisciplinary forum for discussion of geophysical and geochemical constraints on mantle structure, chemical composition and dynamical processes. The separation of basaltic melt from refractory harzburgitic residue generates heterogeneity that is resistant to re-homogenization during subsequent mantle convection. Seismic tomography suggests that wavespeed heterogeneity is concentrated in the upper and lowermost parts of the mantle. Geochemical studies provide evidence of long-lived heterogeneity at various spatial scales. Numerical modelling of mantle convection favours at least episodic whole-mantle convection over the strictly layered alternative. Other topical issues include chemically equilibrated compositional models versus mechanical mixtures of components of contrasting chemical composition; melting of eclogite-pyroxenite lenses in a harzburgite mantle; the seismological observability of mantle plumes; the influence of pressure-induced electronic spin-pairing on wavespeed-depth gradients in the lower mantle; and the survival of heterogeneity in a vigorously convecting mantle.
This Symposium is also listed by IASPEI as J-S05.

Keynote Speakers: Rick Carlson (Carnegie Institution of Washington), Cinzia Farnetani (IPG, Paris)

Invited Speakers: Bill Mc Donough (Univ. of Maryland), Eiichi Takahashi (Tokyo Institute of Technology), Shijie Zhong (Univ. of Colorado, Boulder)

Please be advised JV09 has merged with JS11. To view IASPEI Symposia schedule, please click here.

Organiser: IAVCEI
Co-sponsors: IAGA, IASPEI
Lead Convenors: Jaques Zlotnicki (France), Y. Sasai (Japan), V. Spichak (Russia)

Scope: Electromagnetic methods have been intensively applied to volcanic systems, hydrothermal and geothermal fields for understanding the structure and tectonic setting, and for monitoring the activity. Analyses of long time series undoubtedly show that magnetic and electric effects can precede volcanic eruptions, and geothermal activities. The development of new technologies and methodologies allows us to clarify the relationships among magmatic, hydrothermal, environmental and mechanical processes. Combination of land and satellite
EM studies with other geophysical observations could also drastically improve the description and understanding of on-going processes. The session will focus on the following lines:

• EM tomography and modelling of volcanic/geothermal environments,
• Integrated EM monitoring such as self-potential, magnetic, electric, magnetotelluric, combined with satellite observations,
• Joint EM, geochemical, thermal, ground deformation and seismic observations,
• Laboratory experiments and physical mechanisms of EM generation processes,
• Modelling of volcanic activity.

This Symposium is also listed by IASPEI as J-S11.

Keynote speakers: Malcolm Johnston, Gilda Currenti, Takeshi Hashimoto

Please be advised JV10 Symposium has merged with V19. To view IAVCEI Symposia schedule, please click here.

Organiser: IAVCEI
Co-sponsor:  IASPEI
Lead Convenors: Chuck Connor (United States of America), Stephen Self (United States of America), John Stamatakos (United States of America)

Scope: Geoscientists worldwide are developing and applying a wide range of methodologies to estimate volcanic and seismic hazards to nuclear facilities, including nuclear power plants, fuel fabrication and reprocessing facilities, spent fuel storage facilities, and geological waste repositories. Although significant advances in site characterization and model development have been made in the last decade, many challenges remain, especially when considering low probability-high consequence events. Earthquake hazard assessments are now focused on evaluating events with likelihoods less than 1 in 100,000. Similarly, volcanic hazards with comparatively small probabilities are now being assessed at many planned and operating nuclear installations, and the International Atomic Energy Agency is finalizing new guidelines for such assessments at current and future sites. This session will explore the current practice and innovative approaches to volcanic and seismic hazard assessment, with the goal of improving safety at critical nuclear facilities.

Keynote Speakers: Brittain Hill, Kelvin Berryman (NZ-GNS)

Organiser: IAVCEI
Co-sponsors: IASPEI, ILP
Lead Convenor: John Dawson (Australia)
Co-Convenors:  Kevin Furlong (United States of America), Sierd Cloetingh (Netherlands)

Scope: Understanding the structure and deformation of plate interiors and their margins has important implications for society, and more and more there will be a reliance on a knowledge base of its past, present and future state. For example, society's increasing demand for energy and groundwater security will require geoscientists to address issues associated with geothermal energy supply, geosequestration of waste products, the impact of groundwater use, and natural hazards. This will require integrated and new approaches to the observation, modeling and interpretation of processes within the crust and lithosphere.  This symposium will address the science associated with the structure and deformation of continental lithosphere and particularly of the Australian Plate including recent developments and findings in Earth imaging, numerical modeling, inversion, data mining approaches, earthquake seismology, vulcanology and geodetic measurement of crustal deformation.
This Symposium is listed by IAG as J-G04.

Keynote Speakers: Mike Sandiford, Tom Herring

Please be advised JV12 session has merged with JS08. To view IASPEI Symposia shceudle, please click here.

Organiser: IAVCEI
Co-sponsor: IASPEI
Lead Convenors: Jurgen Neuberg (United Kingdom), Hiroyuki Kumagai (Japan), Jeff Johnson (United States of America)

Scope: Seismic and infrasonic monitoring of active and dormant volcanoes is the key element of any monitoring program undertaken by volcano observatories or research institutions. Major advances in volcano seismology have been made in recent years allowing us to identify several categories of volcanic seismic events, and interpret them in terms of different magmatic or tectonic processes encountered on a volcano. Attempts based on multi-disciplinary methodologies turned out to be particularly successful. This session is dedicated to latest developments in volcano seismological monitoring techniques, interpretation and modelling methodology in a wider volcanological context. We invite contributions for both oral and poster presentations that deal with any seismological aspects relevant to volcano monitoring, new methodologies as well as case studies from a wide variety of volcanic settings. This includes advances in seismic instrumentation, as well as theoretical approaches. Particularly welcome are studies that combine seismic and infrasound measurements with other monitoring or modelling techniques, such as ground deformation, gas monitoring, petrology and fluid dynamics of magmatic systems.

Keynote Speakers: David Fee, Jean Battaglia

Invited Speakers: Bill McDonough, Eiichi Takahashi, Shijie Zhong